FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Education Minister T. Desmond Bannister has sent out a challenge to all school board members to become active participants in education.
Minister Bannister spoke at the installation ceremony for the various school boards on Grand Bahama Island, Thursday, November 17.
School Board members from 12 Government schools were sworn in during ceremonies held at the Sir Jack Hayward Auditorium.
Addressing the gathering, the Education Minister said “many of you may be under the impression that being a school board member means you are solely responsible for the physical plant of the school.
“I want you to know that this is far from the truth. You are called to be an active participant in education. You must avail yourself to every facet of the school’s operation including the curriculum, the program for slow learners, the book drive for the library, attracting more parents to PTA meetings; promoting the annual Christmas play and tutoring or mentoring students whenever you can,” he said.
Continuing, Mr Bannister told the group of elected officials that serving on these school boards “is serious business”.
“It is not fair to our children and our schools for you to neglect your commitment or abandon ship before you term is completed. I implore you to honour the duties of the office that you have pledged to fulfil.
“While there is a need to make this charge, I am delighted to revel that the school board system has enhanced the operation of education in our country.
“It has contributed primarily to the physical maintenance of our school campuses and in the efficiency of getting minor repairs done to the physical plant. I commend the leadership of school boards for the networking to ensure that the minor repairs which fall under their portfolio are done in a timely manner,” he said.
Mr Bannister also recommended that school board members compile a skills bank of all the talents and personnel in their communities, particularly parents who can be called upon to do work.
“This enterprise has enabled school boards in other districts to stretch the resources allotted to them and cause work to be done in a timely manner.
“We hope, ultimately, that one day soon less of our education budget will be spent on school repairs because school boards see as their duty to educate parents and students about their role in the upkeep of the schools,” he said.
Thursday’s swearing-in according to the Minister, marked the fifth time they have conducted such an exercise in Grand Bahama since the Education Act was amended in 1996 for the establishment of School Boards.
He noted that the implementation of these school boards establishes a greater communication channel with the community for the betterment of education, and teachers and administrators have come to rely on this system as they seek to build stronger schools and students one day at a time.
Mr Bannister also said the training would be provided to the new school board members to enable them to be knowledgeable and effective in their duties.
That training he said will include knowing how to handle the funds allotted to execute their duties.
The Education Minister also cautioned school board members about being fiscally responsible and displaying integrity in office.
“We need not need not skate the issue because the reality is that there are some who violate the trust that is placed in them for their own ill-gotten gain. It means that each board member must be vigilant and speak up when you are not pleased with the way monies are being spent.
“When you do not speak up you are a party to the misconduct. The only persons that are impacted are our children. I ask you to be mindful of your obligation to them. If you are not prepared to take this obligation seriously, please do not take this oath tonight,” he said.
Mr Bannister said they must also have a global understanding of education and that the office they are entering requires them to become and advocate for education.
